The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) has approved a $2.8 million research funding award to compare three methods for measuring blood pressure in confirming new hypertension cases. The study, led by Dr. Beverly Green, will evaluate the accuracy and acceptability of clinic BP, home BP, and kiosk BP measurements.
A 2-year study found that bupropion (Wellbutrin) is the only antidepressant to induce modest weight loss, while others lead to varying degrees of weight gain. Nonsmokers on bupropion lost an average of 2.4 pounds, compared to a 4.6-pound gain on fluoxetine.
Researchers at Group Health Research Institute discovered that mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) can alleviate chronic low back pain, with improvements seen at six months and one year compared to usual care. MBSR training led to significant reductions in functional limitations and self-reported back pain.
A new study from Group Health Research Institute shows that mailing yearly stool kits to patients boosts lifesaving screening for colon cancer. The approach increased screening rates from less than four in 10 to over half of patients who had never had a colonoscopy and were overdue for screening.
A large national BCSC study found that computer-aided detection (CAD) of breast cancer screening does not improve accuracy or patient outcomes. CAD raised screening costs and increased false positives, but did not detect more cancers or improve outcomes for women in screening programs.
A randomized controlled trial found that a self-management support service improved patients' symptoms and recovery scores. The program combined behavioral therapy with recovery-oriented approach, focusing on achieving life goals despite symptoms. Participants showed significant improvements compared to usual care.
The Group Health-University of Washington Adult Changes in Thought (ACT) study has been awarded nearly $13 million to continue tracking the aging process, particularly in the brain. The study aims to identify risk factors for conditions like dementia and promote healthy aging through data-driven insights.
A randomized trial tested an intervention to improve hesitancy about early childhood vaccines, but found it had minimal effect on mothers and doctors. The intervention, called Ask, Acknowledge, and Advise, aimed to encourage respectful dialogue with parents while recommending vaccination.
The AHRQ-funded Healthy Hearts Northwest project aims to improve heart health among patients in primary care practices in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. The initiative provides resources, support, and quality improvement strategies to help small- and mid-sized practices build their capacity for delivering high-quality cardiovascular care.
In a pilot study, older adults aged 60+ reduced their sitting time by an average of 27 minutes per day through coaching. Participants reported improved ability to perform everyday tasks and fewer symptoms of depression. The study suggests that reducing sedentary behavior in older adults could have significant health benefits.
A national survey of US healthcare providers found that fewer than half were 'very likely' to prescribe PrEP to high-risk patients. Concerns included daily pill regimen, regular follow-up care, effectiveness, and side effects. Despite strong evidence supporting PrEP use, cost remains a significant issue.
Implementing video-based decision aids in urology led to fewer elective surgeries for benign prostatic hyperplasia and localized prostate cancer. Rates of surgical intervention declined by 32% for treated BPH patients and 27% for localized prostate cancer patients.
A Group Health study of over 3,000 patients found that anticholinergic medications increase the risk of pneumonia in older adults. The study suggests that clinicians should review medications regularly to identify potential risks and explore alternative treatments.
A large study links taking commonly used medications with anticholinergic effects to a significantly increased risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer's disease. People taking certain medications at high doses or for longer periods are estimated to be at greater risk for developing dementia.
A study of 2,500 obese patients and 7,500 matched controls found bariatric surgery reduces mortality risk by 53% at 5-14 years post-procedure. The surgery also became safer over time, with lower risk of death during and after the procedure.
Pragmatic clinical trials require collaboration between researchers and health care providers. A new guide emphasizes building strong partnerships, defining clinically important questions, and involving stakeholders in study design. Successful trials produce long-term scientific relationships and evidence for improving care.
According to a randomized trial, nurse navigators can aid in colon cancer screening follow-up by increasing follow-up rates exceeding 92 percent. The study, led by Beverly B. Green, MD, MPH, found that combining a systems approach with nurse navigation resulted in improved follow-up rates.
A large national study comparing bariatric surgery procedures found that bypass resulted in greater weight loss, but more short-term complications than banding. Patients who underwent bypass also had a lower risk of reoperations over the long term.
Bariatric surgery has been shown to prolong life and prompt reductions in weight and associated conditions like diabetes and heart attacks. However, the long-term effectiveness of different procedures is unclear, and more research is needed to standardize reporting and design trials.
A study published in JAMA found that collaborative care improved depression symptoms in teens, with more teens receiving evidence-based treatment and experiencing decreases in depressive symptoms compared to usual care. The collaborative care model integrated care for mental and physical health within a primary-care setting.
A statewide survey in Oregon found that most doctors recommend flu vaccine to healthy pregnant patients, but only half of American women receive the vaccine while pregnant. Doctors who see more pregnant patients or are younger are more likely to recommend vaccination.
Researchers propose mailing fecal immunochemical tests to improve colon cancer screening rates among low-income communities, where disparities are most prevalent. Follow-up diagnostic colonoscopies often face cost barriers, which exacerbate existing health inequities.
The Family Wellness Program, a behavioral treatment for obesity, shows promise in real-world settings. Children's body mass index improves, with 70% experiencing significant improvement and nearly half achieving weight loss. Parents' BMI also declines, leading to improved quality of life for children.
A new team approach has improved safety and reduced rates of major complications by two thirds for complex spinal reconstructive surgery. The standardized protocol before, during, and after the surgery involves two spine surgeons, a live preoperative screening conference, and monitoring bleeding during the operation.
The e-Care study found that secure online access to a dietitian increased patient satisfaction and weight loss in overweight patients with hypertension. Patients reported improved blood pressure and heart risk trended lower, but differences were not significant.
A recent study by Group Health Research Institute found that patients with treated hypertension had 27-28% fewer specialty visits after implementing a patient-centered medical home. In contrast, clinically complex patients with multiple diseases saw a 3-5% increase in specialty use during the first two years after implementation.
Research teams at Group Health Research Institute have been awarded funding by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) to study opioid therapy and asthma. The studies aim to improve patient outcomes and provide informed decision-making for patients with chronic pain and asthma, particularly in minority groups.
Research suggests that age-adjusted rates of dementia have declined for people born later, particularly those at higher risk. Lifestyle factors such as exercise and diet are being studied as potential contributors to this trend.
A randomized controlled trial found that patients with nurse navigators reported feeling better supported emotionally and more involved in their care. Nurse navigators helped patients develop the confidence and skills to manage their illness and treatment more effectively.
A large national study found that breast MRI screenings nearly tripled from 2005 to 2009, with a notable increase in high-risk women. Despite this progress, the study highlights areas for improvement in the use of breast MRI for risk-based screening.
Group Health Research Institute received two PCORI awards to study the effectiveness of breast MRI compared to mammography for breast cancer surveillance. The institute also provides assistance to a new national data network, enhancing the nation's ability to conduct patient-centered comparative effectiveness research.
An observational study found that estradiol was associated with less risk of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary emboli compared to conjugated equine estrogens. Women prescribed estradiol had fewer adverse vascular events than those prescribed Premarin, a patented drug.
A 12-week yoga class and home practice reduced insomnia in postmenopausal women, while exercise showed similar benefits. However, yoga did not impact hot flashes or night sweats.
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases has awarded contracts to nine institutions, including Group Health Research Institute, to expand vaccine and treatment evaluation units. These centers will conduct clinical trials for promising candidate vaccines and therapies, aiming to protect the public from infectious diseases.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is funding new bird flu vaccine studies to protect against a deadly strain that caused severe disease in China last spring. The study aims to fine-tune the process of creating an effective vaccine, with the goal of preventing future pandemics.
A study of over 2,000 patients aged 65+ found a strong association between higher blood sugar levels and increased dementia risk. Higher glucose levels were linked to a 40% increased risk in people with diabetes.
A new study found that CT scan use increased by 15 years in children at nonprofit health care delivery systems, exposing them to higher cancer risk. Strategies like Image Gently aim to reduce this risk by lowering radiation doses and eliminating unnecessary scans.
Researchers used electronic health records to identify patients overdue for colon cancer screening and encouraged them to be screened. The centralized approach doubled on-time screening rates and saved health costs over two years.
A new study of 1.4 million children found that injecting the DTaP vaccine into the thigh muscle reduces the risk of injection-site reactions by around half compared to the arm. The research supports current recommendations to administer intramuscular vaccinations in the thigh for children under 3 years old.
The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) has awarded two research grants to Group Health, a learning health system in Washington state, totaling $40.7 million. The projects focus on developing tools to improve care for back pain and connecting patients with community resources.
The largest community-based study of long-term diabetes outcomes after bariatric surgery found that most people don't experience long-lasting remission of their diabetes. However, those with less severe and earlier stage type 2 diabetes at the time of surgery tend to have better outcomes.
Group Health's video-based decision aids for arthritis patients led to a sharp decline in knee and hip replacement surgeries by 38% and 26%, respectively, over six months. The cost of caring for those patients also decreased by 12-21%.
A new Cancer Research Network study estimates real-world use of anthracycline and trastuzumab in breast cancer patients, showing a higher risk of heart failure and cardiomyopathy compared to previous clinical trials. The study's findings highlight the importance of awareness about the risks associated with these chemotherapy drugs.
A learning health system combines practice and research to rapidly apply best evidence in real-time clinical care. Group Health Cooperative's experience demonstrates the importance of strong leadership support, partnership between research and clinical operations, and effective communication for successful implementation.
A new study found that genetic testing does not significantly drive up demand for expensive medical care, even if individuals receive risk information. Researchers analyzed electronic health records of 217 healthy adults and compared their healthcare use before and after genetic testing.
The TEAMcare program, a collaborative approach to managing chronic diseases like depression and diabetes, appears to pay for itself. After accounting for the program's $1,224 per patient cost, it may save as much as $594 per patient in outpatient costs.
Researchers estimate that screening mammography for women aged 40-49 with a twofold increased risk level of breast cancer has similar benefits and harms as average-risk women who start biennial screening at age 50. Factors such as family history and dense breasts increase risk by twofold.
A joint study by Group Health Research Institute and Bastyr University found that type 2 diabetes patients receiving naturopathic care had lower blood-sugar levels and improved moods. Naturopathic physicians provided counseling on diet, exercise, and stress management to add to conventional care.
A new study found that communication problems between patients and their care providers are more prevalent than traditional medical errors, leading to significant harms. Patients often take positive steps to address issues, but some become more hesitant to seek care.
A randomized trial with 255 households showed a significant reduction in unlocked guns (35% to 35%) and ammunition (84% to 35%) after installing $80 locking metal gun cabinets. The study concluded that installing gun cabinets improves safe household firearm storage and could reduce gun-related injuries and deaths.